Kaiser Permanente, Northern California

Caritas in ActionHow Caring Science informs and inspires KP caregivers and affirms our commitment to provide our

patients and their families exceptional care

Caritas Consortium 2013We are the Environment:

Acknowledgment of Sacred Space

Intent to Contribute Statement:Purpose: The purpose of this project was to raise the consciousness of care providers, increasing their understanding

that they carry the ability to shape another’s care environment and experience by enhancing their connection to their

own inner environment. The threshold increases awareness that, as a caregiver enters another’s sacred space, it is

important to breathe and center before entering, to knock to respect space, to have clean hands and purposeful

presence when entering, and to be aware of how each caregiver’s energy affects the environment and the relationship

developed.

Project Description: The initial phase of this project was to create a threshold, which consisted of painting Lavender

around the doorway, placing a lotus flower decal on the door, removing unnecessary door clutter, and garnishing the

doorway with signs that reminded practitioners to pause to be present before entering. This project included about

100 care providers on the 4th floor, which included representation from every shift.

Projected Outcome: The intended project outcome is to increase staff consciousness about how important they are to

creating and re-patterning the care environment, and to remind them to slow-down so they can be present to and for

their patients. The conscious intention to the sacred nature of each individual’s space and needs will help to create

trust and respect in relationships to promote caring and healing. It is also hoped that by slowing down, there will be

fewer errors and increase patient satisfaction and higher quality care.

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We are the Environment: Acknowledgement of Sacred Space

We are the Environment: Acknowledgement of Sacred Space

Page 31 Names as listed in Lotus Notes, otherwise personal e-mails indicated

Keyword TAGs: Identifier

Consortium2013-July, GSAA, Hayward, Poster, Caritas Coach, Patient Care Services

Healing Environments, Self

Descriptor Building Design, Caritas

Consciousness, Centering

Inspired Contributor(s) 1 : Megan Mira – Caritas Coach

------Service Area: GSAAMedical Center: HAYAffiliation: PCS------Year Shared: 2013Venue: Caritas ConsortiumFormat: PosterID #: n/a

We are the Environment: Acknowledgement of Sacred Space

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